PERKINS, Herbert and Gilbert

Herbert and Gilbert were the second and third sons of James and Hannah Perkins.  They were born in the Glen Innes District and were living at Ross Hill, Inverell when they enlisted in 1915.

Gilbert, a nineteen year old Messenger, became a member of the 4th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement and sailed from Australia on HMAT A54 Runic in August 1915.  He fought at Gallipoli in November and December until returning to Egypt where he was hospitalised with pleurisy.  In March 1916 his unit was sent to France.  Herbert was listed as missing after the Battle of Pozieres; however it was not until June 1917 that a Court of Inquiry officially determined that he was Killed in Action on 24 July 1916.  He has no known grave and his name is inscribed on the Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, France. After repeated requests for information and the return of his personal possessions, his Mother finally received Herbert’s medallion and some letters in August 1917.

Herbert was a twenty five year old Letter Carrier when he joined the 30th Battalion, D Company and sailed from Australia on HMAT A72 Beltana in November 1915.  He spent six months in Egypt before being sent to France in June 1916.  During April 1918 he was gassed and evacuated back to England where he was admitted to 1st London General Hospital for treatment.  Gilbert returned home in January 1919 and was medically discharged four months later. He lived in Sydney until his death in 1933. His name is listed on the Dundee Honor Roll.